Wednesday, 18 September 2024
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Published in Chapel, Chapel Restoration Project News, College, College News
Review by Isija Thilakarathne (Web Content Team) “I climbed o’er the crags of Lanka And gazed on her golden sea, And out from her ancient places Her soul came forth to me. “Give Me, a Bard,” said Lanka, “My Bard of the things to-be” It’s a crisp autumn morning on the 13th of September, and Channa Daswatte, architect extraordinary and scholar, gazes dreamily at the gathering. His tone is professional, yet informal- a strange, intoxicating combination. Accurate pauses within sentences, minutely calculated so that every single word would drive home with sheer force and conviction. This is an extract from a poem, The Call of Lanka, penned by the prodigious Reverend Walter Senior, glimpsing back into the serenity of Sri Lanka. From a close up, the infrastructural artist looks refined and prudent, perhaps even more than when he had once born the colossal title of Trinity College’s Senior prefect back in ’84. For a long time, Mr. Daswatte had been an integral part of the Old Boys’ Association, reverently mentioned in the air one Trinitian would profess other legendary names like ‘Sangakkara’ and ‘Kadiragamar.’ To the casual eye he was, but another man of manners, a hungry soul brimming with artistic inspiration and a longing for creativity. Everything from his personal conduct to his attire teemed of what you would look for in a typical architect; grace, patience, intelligence, and finally, some cool, unforgettable factor of logic that could not be assuaged. Here was a man who could move monumental structures with a flick of an eye- or rather, expertly design them. Mr. Daswatte who had been cordially welcomed to the midst of yet another morning’s assembly- it’s eight a ’clock already, and school officers pose Sentinel-like outside the College’s hall, sweeping their aquiline eyes for some correction of order– all in all, there was nothing to indicate some anomaly in the usually accurate routine. Notices would be read, a speech or two delivered, and Father Principal Araliya Jayasundara would enlighten us all with some inspiring quote or the other. The stage, so to speak, was set, and the Trinitians were anticipating the typical flow of events in their usually chronic manner. Such was the air on that seemingly unremarkable Friday. But, as we soon found out, the session was anything but unremarkable. As soon as the notified ‘first half’ of the assembly came to a close, the Principal stood graciously and made a warm toast to the introduction of Mr. Channa Daswatte. Phrases of utmost appreciation were spoken- “Sri Lanka’s most sought-after architect,” “an indomitable disciple of the indomitable Geoffrey Bava” … Mr. Daswatte took it all with a casual smile. Amidst the polite smattering of applause, he bowed a humble head, and so was promptly invited beside the podium. And this is where the great man professed his undying love for the architecture of Trinity College, or rather, professed his undying love for one place in particular! The Chapel of Trinity College, Kandy, Sri Lanka, is a hallmark of the colonial architectural inspirations that have been so imposingly emblazoned on the island’s landscapes. Being the herald of not only our imperialistic upbringing and Sri Lanka’s eventual co-existence with its colonial masters, the edifice represents not only the religious and spiritual harmony that condenses what Father Araliya Jayasundara calls “the Trinity co-values”- Integrity, service, excellence, and resilience, – but also what makes a great piece of architectural art right smack in the middle of the country’s most exotic hillside. And on that day, Mr. Channa Daswatte had returned, with positive affirmations, to recover what he thought was submerged- at least momentarily- the respect and the rigid passion which the Trinitian owes to His school, and to its Chapel. His clam and soothing voice was just what the Trinitians needed. With the fortitude of a Zen monk and the reposefulness of a musician, Mr. Daswatte began to unfold a beautiful tapestry- a tapestry which not only had live waters, lush greens and God-cut crags, but also the living, breathing kind of serenity that one associates with only the foremost of connoisseurs. Assuredly, this man knew what he was talking about! Soon the students found themselves walking alongside Mr. Daswatte on a calm evening stroll. In their mind’s eye it was almost six, and the red sun capping the candy-floss sky of Kandy. The fresh whiff of autumn is enticing in its luscious appeal, jade arches blushing, the children of Demeter forming banks of rolling foliage on either side of the road. This is the famous stretch that many a great soul had once crossed- be it Kadirgamar, Rev. Gaster, or Rev. Ireland Jones, the man himself. It cuts a crystal sand path up to the promising blue ford that covers the upper areas of the College, and in spite of its simplicity and almost assuring normalcy, the road hides a little secret in its bosom. John Milton may have once declared that Paradise was lost forever, but for the Trinitian with the acute mind it is never so. For this picturesque walkway upto the college quarters harbors the secret- a secret so revered and chanted with holy reminiscence that even the most boisterous of lads may fall pin-drop silent at its utter ethereal glory. Welcome to the Trinity College Chapel, one of Asia’s only open chapels. Paradise in its own terms. The edifice is imposing even from the distance; a clear, geometric design of a holy cross that many Christian buildings aim to achieve in the foremost stages of their conceptions. But this is no typical Christian Building, for this is the Chapel of Trinity College Kandy, unique in its design, conception, creation, and also preservation. The outline of it stands against the Lankan heavens in sharp relief, making an allegory to its Biblical connection. Shadow and stone make a great combination, a dark, regal shape cut into the azure tint of the sky, and the pond beside the neatly-mown lawn brings a savannah-like simile to the humid landscape, with the chapel as its
By Chaniru Senhas (Web Content Team) Enthusiastic Trinity dramatists emerged fourth place at the All-island Inter-school Shakespeare Drama Competition 2024, organized by the YMCA and the Rotary Club of Colombo North. Following the writing of the script, members of the Trinity College DRAMSOC, of both the middle and upper school practiced intensely with utmost dedication over a period of a month to showcase their talents through the performance of an excerpt of Titus Andronicus. The crew, in collaboration with their staff advisors, crafted outstanding costumes, and with the assistance of the Trinity College Media Unit, planned out striking lighting and sound patterns. Upon their performance at the semi finals on the 11th of September, their long-held determination paid off as the Trinity College DRAMSOC went through to the finals of the competition. After more countless practice sessions, and small amendments to the script and costumes, the dramatists were ready to perform at the finals on the 15th of September. There, the Trinity College DRAMSOC emerged fourth place among 21 schools, bringing glory to the college. The Trinity College community would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the actors, prop designers and crew members from the DRAMSOC, the Teacher-in-Charge, Mrs. Sumedha Weerawardane, Mr. Aslam Marikkar, Mr. Kanishka Samarasundara and the Trinity College Media Unit for their unwavering support and dedication throughout this journey Cast Asama Ranawala – Young Lucius Ian Etugala – Marcus Andronicus Minindu Yasaratne – Lady 1/ Gentleman 1 Navidu Karunaratne – Lord 1/ Valentine Angelo Etugala – Saturninus Ramindu Yasaratne – Bassianus Thinura Garusinghe – Lord 2 Dulkith Jayasekara – Publius Matheesha De Silva – Caius Stefan Fernando – Lord 3/ Housemaid Muhammed Jameel – Captain/ Aemilius Nethula Hettihewage – Lucius Andronicus Gaveesha Samarawickrama – Soldier 1 Menath Kahapola – Tamora Themiya Wanigaratne – Chiron Ravindu Jayasinghe – Demetrius Binuga Jayaratne – Alarbus Agnijan Vaheesan – Lord 4 Jason Navaratne – Titus Andronicus Kankesh Mayurathan – Lavinia Charith Ekanayake – Aaron/ Soldier 2 Nilesh Siriwardane – Aaron/ Soldier 2 (Semi-finals) Props Minindu Nawaratne Thevindu Gamage Muhammed Jameel Matheesha De Silva Dulith Cooray Backstage Crew Dulith Cooray Shakya Premaratne Stage Lighting Engineer Yeshan Ranatunga Sound Mixing Engineer Punsilu Jayasinghe Photographed: Quadrangle
Reviewed by Thehas Dayaratne (Web Content Team) On the 13th of September 2024, Trinity College Kandy’s Astronomy Quiz Team took the stage at Constant ’24, an inter-school astronomy quiz competition organized by the Union of Astronomy of Bandaranayake College, Gampaha. But the journey to this final round had begun long before the event day. Weeks prior, over 50 schools entered the competition through a series of online preliminary rounds. Only the top 20 teams, including Trinity College, made the cut to advance to the physical rounds, where the true test of knowledge and skill awaited. Held at the Bandaranayake College premises from 8 AM onwards, the final rounds consisted of four challenging segments: Practical, Spot Test, Space Exploration (Theory), and Data Analysis. The Trinity team, representing the Astronomical Society of TCK, approached the event with determination and teamwork. The team members were: Trinity shone brightest during the Space Exploration round, securing the highest marks of the competition. Additionally, Captain Himaru Abeygunarathne excelled in the online Theoretical Round, achieving the highest marks in Astrophysics. His leadership and expertise, combined with the strengths of his teammates, propelled Trinity to a second runners-up finish. 2024 has been a milestone year for the Astronomical Society of Trinity College Kandy, and this performance at Constant ’24 solidifies their place among the top contenders in the field of astronomy in the school arena. As astronomers say, Trinity’s performance was truly out of this world!
Reviewed by Thejaka Abeysekara (Web Content Team) The Trinity College Automotive Society recently had the privilege of hosting an engaging and educational workshop on engine tune-ups, led by the knowledgeable team from Carson’s Garage. This event was more than just an opportunity to learn; it was a hands-on experience that deepened our understanding of engine mechanics and fueled our passion for automobiles. The workshop began with a discussion of carburetors, focusing on their importance in enhancing engine performance in older models. Through detailed explanations and practical demonstrations, we learned how proper carburetor tuning can lead to smoother operation and increased efficiency. The session also covered other critical components such as camshafts, injectors, and distributors, giving us a well-rounded understanding of engine mechanics. One of the workshop highlights was the focus on ignition systems, specifically the differences between CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) and platinum point systems. The Carson’s Garage team expertly guided us through the technical details, helping us understand how these systems impact overall engine performance. We are deeply grateful to Carson’s Garage for their expertise and support in conducting this workshop. Their guidance and knowledge were invaluable in enhancing our understanding of engine tune-ups and fueling our passion for automotive mechanics. Thank you, Carson’s Garage, for empowering us with the tools and knowledge to pursue our passion for engines and automobiles. Your support is instrumental in advancing our education, enabling us to gain practical experience and deepen our understanding of automotive mechanics. We are sincerely grateful for your invaluable contribution.
The Provincial Sports Meet 2024, organized by the Department of Education – Central Province, saw an outstanding performance by the Trinity College Table Tennis teams at the Provincial Sports Complex in Digana on August 27th, 2024. The event brought together talented players from across the province, with Trinity College emerging as a dominant force across multiple categories. Under 18 Team Event – Champions Trinity College’s Under 18 Table Tennis team emerged victorious, claiming the championship title with stellar performances throughout the tournament. The team showcased remarkable skill, defeating Vidyartha College 3-1 in the semi-finals, and following it up with a clean sweep victory over Dharmaraja College (3-0) in the finals. This triumph marks a significant achievement for the team and further solidifies their position as top contenders in the sport. Team Members: Under 16 Team Event – 3rd Place In a hard-fought competition, the Under 16 team managed to secure 3rd place after a challenging semi-final against Vidyartha College. Displaying grit and determination, they bounced back to defeat St. Sylvester’s College in the 3rd place play-off, with a score of 3-1. Team Members: Under 20 Singles Event – Champion and Runner-Up In the Under 20 Singles event, where 3 players from each school competed, Trinity College dominated the finals, with two of its players reaching the final round. Shafiullah Akram secured the championship, while Akesh Dimantha claimed the 1st runner-up position, marking a historic double victory for the school in this category. A Team Effort The success of the Trinity College Table Tennis teams was made possible through the dedicated efforts of their coach, Mr. Sampath Kumara, and the support of the Master-in-Charge (MIC), Mr. Naveen Abeysekara. Their guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping the teams into formidable competitors. Trinity College’s table tennis achievements at the Provincial Sports Meet 2024 are a testament to the school’s unwavering commitment to excellence in sports, and we look forward to more victories in the future.
We are proud to announce the exceptional performance of our students in the International A Level (IAL) examinations held in May/June 2024. We are excited to share their outstanding results. High Achievers MOHAMMED UMMAR AHLAK BARY Sugumar Madhushakar Abdul Basith Mran U.G.D. Adithya W.W.M.R.R.N. Weerasekara Sithija Sejan Gamage Rashan Manindra Fonseka M.V.C.S. Perera
Review by Banura Karunarathna From July 24 to July 30, 2024, the Trinity College National Drum and Dance Troupe embarked on an inspiring journey to Thailand, representing Sri Lanka at an international cultural event celebrating the 72nd birthday of the King of Thailand. This tour, organized by the International Folklore Artists Network Organization, provided a remarkable platform for cultural exchange and global exposure. Led by Akash Abeysinghe (Troupe Leader) and Dheemath Amarasinghe (Assistant Troupe Leader), our troupe performed a variety of traditional Sri Lankan dances, including the upcountry WES dance, the low-country DEWOL dance, and the Naga Raksha dance. Their dedication was evident in every performance, showcasing Sri Lankan heritage with grace and skill. The talented participants included: Highlights of our tour included: exhibition at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, followed by the first show at the Royal Thai Army Radio and Television Station, broadcast live on Thai television. We extend our sincere gratitude to our dedicated instructor, Mr. Sunil Chandrasiri, and our esteemed director of TCCEI, Mr. Wasana Dissanayake, for their invaluable support and guidance. Their contributions were instrumental to the success of our tour. We are immensely proud of our troupe’s achievements and are grateful for the support from our school’s administration. This tour was not only a celebration of our cultural heritage but also an unforgettable experience that strengthened our connection to global traditions.
As the August vacation commenced, the staff of Trinity College, Kandy waited with bated breath for the Outbound Training program, which was conducted from the 7th – 14th of August under the teams of Alpha, Bravo, Charli and Delta. The training was conducted for each team over a period of two days at TELA, which was a memorable journey that would reshape perspectives and bring the staff closer together as a team. The teams were gathered punctually at 6:45 AM, ready for what the day would bring. At TELA the staff was warmly welcomed by Mr. Shehan Pilapitiya and his dedicated team, alongside the Principal, Vice Principal, and Co-Vice Principal. Their warm greetings and the sight of beautifully arranged rooms with fresh sheets was met with much appreciation from the staff. The training began with a session outlining the program. The staff learnt that the purpose of this training was to help them navigate through VUCA environments—those that are volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. As the training unfolded, indeed they found themselves challenged in unimaginable ways. Each team was divided into groups and faced a series of competitions, which included creating a unique haka and other thrilling activities. Some of these were truly daring, pushing many beyond what was possible. The PT sessions were another revelation. It reminded many of the importance of taking ‘me time’—to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. A few simple exercises each day can keep anyone fit as a fiddle. Throughout these activities, communication and collaboration were key to success. While winning was the goal for both groups in the team, it was far from easy. Decisions had to be made on the spot, plans had to be adapted, and the staff learned the value of flexibility. These exercises helped them to get to know colleagues across different sections, understanding their strengths and areas where they needed support. This bonding is crucial for any institution to function smoothly. One of the highlights of the training was the outdoor cooking challenge. As the saying goes, “Too many cooks spoil the broth,” but in this scenario, it was just the opposite. With limited resources and the pressure of time, the team had to come together, plan, and execute a meal that would not only be edible but also tasty. This activity taught them the importance of resourcefulness, creativity, and most importantly, the value of collective effort. Each team member played a vital role, whether it was gathering firewood, prepping ingredients, or maintaining the fire. The result wasn’t just a meal—it was a testament to teamwork and perseverance. Adding to the adventure, the weather decided to challenge Team Delta a bit further. A sudden downpour threatened to wash away their spirits, but instead, it only made them stronger. They adapted quickly, modifying their plans to continue despite the rain. This experience reminded many that much like in life, challenges are inevitable but, the ability to push through and stay resilient is more important. One activity that particularly stood out was the ‘lava game.’ This exercise was a powerful metaphor for the daily challenges faced by the staff. It taught them the importance of multitasking, setting clear goals, recognizing and overcoming obstacles, and most importantly, supporting each other even in competition. The goal was to reach the finish line despite interference from Mr. Pilapitiya and his team, who represented the external forces trying to hinder the progress. Through this game, the staff realized that the Trinity family must always stand as one. In conclusion, what started as a two-day retreat turned into a transformative experience. It reinforced the strength of the community and reminded everyone of the power of unity, adaptability, and resilience. Whether it was cooking under the open sky, racing against the rain, or strategizing in the lava game, every challenge brought the staff closer and taught them that together, they could overcome multitudes. The staff would like to thank Mr. Shane de Silva for his meticulous attention to every detail and precocious planning, and to Mr. Shehan Pilapitiya of Outbound Adventures and his remarkable team for organizing the most interesting two days. A special thank you goes to the CEC for arranging this remarkable opportunity to grow and connect as a team. Finally, to the staff at TELA, especially Nimali, whose hospitality made the stay both comfortable and memorable. Written by Fathima Majeed and Bryan Senaratne